Structural Glass Facades and Enclosures documents, defines, and categorizes the current state of the art in long-span glass facade design and construction, with a focus on structural systems, glass cladding options, and implementation strategies for innovative design. A comparative analysis of these various systems is included, along with designs and design practices for enhancing transparency; engineering issues; material, process, and fabrication considerations; installation means and methods; and project delivery strategies for implementing innovative building technology in today's construction marketplace. The reader will find information here that is not available together in any single resource, including:

Structural system types and design options, with integrated glass system options and their application on each of the structural types

An in-depth discussion of design, fabrication, and installation issues relative to each system type, accompanied by illustrations and photographs

A discussion of the challenges of implementing innovative design and technology in the construction industry, and operational practices to improve the probability of success

A series of in-depth case studies documenting representative samples of stunning built works that employ the technology and design principles identified in the book

Structural Glass Facades and Enclosures provides expert content for putting cutting-edge technology into real-life practice, creating new potential for fresh applications embracing both aesthetic and performance solutions, and for the adoption of the technology by architects, builders, and facade practitioners.

AUTHOR: Mic Patterson is a designer, researcher, educator, and entrepreneur whose work focuses on the building skin. He has concentrated his professional and academic career on advanced façade technology and structural glass facades. He pioneered the introduction of structural glass façade technology in the US in the 1990s, contributing into the new millennium with the implementation of a diverse body of novel applications, including cable trusses, cable nets and grid shells. Most recently, Patterson participated in the establishment of the Enclos Advanced Technology Studio (ATS) where he works as the Director of Strategic Development. Enclos is a leading national specialty façade contractor, and ATS is its dedicated façade think-tank with the mission of anticipating and realizing the future of the building skin. Patterson earned a Masters of Building Science degree at the University of Southern California School of Architecture, where he is currently a PhD candidate. He has taught, written extensively, and lectured internationally on diverse aspects of advanced façade technology. He is the author of Structural Glass Facades and Enclosures.

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